Frederic "Ric" Collins

Frederic "Ric" Collins passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on October 21, after a short illness. He was 66 years old. Born in 1944 in Oakland, Ric was a lifelong Californian, growing up in Orinda and Hemet, and then attending UC Santa Barbara. At UCSB, he met his wife, Lorraine Seabury Collins. After college, he attended UC San Francisco School of Dentistry. A love of travel led him to his first dental position at the Policlinique Dentaire in Lausanne, Switzerland. He and Lorraine lived and worked in Switzerland for several years, where they made many lifelong friends. Returning to California with their two children, they settled in Santa Rosa. Ric opened his dental practice in Rincon Valley, where he practiced for 35 years, until his retirement in April. He loved being a family dentist and was thankful to be part of such a wonderful community of patients and friends. Ric lived his life to the fullest. He loved traveling and was fortunate to travel to many places in the world with his family and friends. Through his love of travel, he was able to share his home with many exchange students over the years, including students when he was a member of Rotary Club of Santa Rosa West. His friends and family know him as a good friend who was always ready to organize a trip or a get together. Many fun times were had under the guidance of Ric's adventurous spirit. He was an avid gardener and fly-fisherman and loved spending time in his yard and fishing around Burney. He was a voracious reader and passed on his love of reading to his children. A faithful 49er, he took many trips to Candlestick with his son and friends. His favorite place was Lake Tahoe and he spent many happy years there with his family and friends, skiing, fishing and relaxing at the lake. Survived by his college sweetheart and loving wife of 43 years, Lorraine; beloved daughter Nicole and husband Frank Starsinic of Davis, CA; adored son, Matt Collins of San Francisco, CA; precious grandson Dylan and granddaughter Mary, of Davis, CA; loving brother Larry and sister-in-law Nancy of Medford, OR; caring sister and brother-in-law Gail and Dan Didden of Pacific Palisades, CA; and nephews and nieces Brant and Craig Didden, Kelley Collins Groves, Sara Collins and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Roslyn Collins. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends but always remembered for his zest for life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent either to the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County or Santa Rosa Junior College Foundation in memoriam. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, November 7th at 2:00 p.m. at Mark West Lodge, 2520 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa.